Optical Bulb Structure for Clear Imaging in Surgical Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging solutions for minimally invasive procedures are hindered by the need for a separate imaging channel, which increases instrument guide diameter, cost, and exposes optical systems to body fluids, leading to clarity and field of view degradation and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
An optical bulb with a hemispherical distal end and integrated imaging channel, featuring a light source outside the channel, reduces reflections and maintains a uniform image path, ensuring clear imaging through bodily fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate imaging channel is added to the instrument guide, then imaging capability is improved, but the instrument guide diameter increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging channel with the instrument guide by forming the imaging channel as an integral part of the instrument guide structure. The optical bulb is positioned within the instrument guide such that the imaging channel shares the same structural space, eliminating the need for a completely separate imaging channel and thereby maintaining a smaller overall diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical bulb is nested within the instrument guide structure, with the imaging channel positioned concentrically or adjacently within the same cylindrical boundary. This nesting arrangement allows the imaging function to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the outer diameter of the instrument guide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary optical system is placed next to the instrument guide, then imaging capability is improved, but the system is exposed to body fluids causing clarity degradation and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The optical bulb and imaging channel are merged into the instrument guide structure, forming a single integrated unit. This integration ensures that the optical components are protected within the sealed instrument guide, preventing exposure to body fluids while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument guide structure acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the optical components and the body fluid environment. The sealed construction of the instrument guide prevents direct contact between the optical system and bodily fluids, eliminating infection risk while allowing imaging through the instrument guide.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging channel is exposed to body fluids, then imaging access is improved, but image clarity and field of view are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument guide serves as an intermediary sealed channel that provides access to the surgical site while protecting the optical components from body fluids. The optical bulb images through the sealed instrument guide wall, maintaining image clarity while enabling imaging access to the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument guide wall acts as a thin, optically transparent barrier that allows light transmission for imaging while maintaining fluid separation. The sealed but optically permissive construction enables clear imaging through the instrument guide without direct fluid exposure to the optical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate imaging channel is added, then imaging function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging channel and instrument guide are merged into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components. The optical bulb is positioned within the instrument guide structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument guide structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for instrument insertion and simultaneously houses the imaging channel and optical components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural elements, thereby simplifying the overall device design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high-quality, infection-resistant imaging for minimally invasive surgeries by maintaining a uniform image path and reducing reflections, enabling precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the substantially hemispherical distal end of the imaging channel is configured to refract light passing out of the imaging channel towards the instrument channel
Implementation Method 2
the first body is configured and arranged to provide a substantially uniform image path within a field of view of a camera disposed in the imaging channel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical bulb for a medical device includes first and second bodies. The first body has a substantially hemispherical distal side. The second body extends from the first body and includes a mechanical connection point at or near the proximal side of the second body. An instrument channel extends through the optical bulb from the proximal side of the second body to the distal side of the first body. An imaging channel extends an aperture defined in the proximal side of the second body and terminates between the proximal and substantially hemispherical distal sides of the first body. The distal end of the imaging channel is substantially hemispherical. The first body is configured and arranged to provide a substantially uniform image path within a field of view of a camera disposed in the imaging channel.